The Callisto Protocol has been a game that we have been watching closely since details first came out. And as we see learn more about it, the more excited we are to play it. However, it seems that the level of violence involved in The Callisto Protocol is more than Japan can handle…
Earlier this week, the Japanese Twitter account for The Callisto Protocol announced that the Japanese version of the game is not being released and that those who pre-ordered will receive a refund.
— The Callisto Protocol (@CallistoGameJP) October 26, 2022
Translation:
“The Callisto Protocol has decided to stop the release of the Japanese version. As of now, the CERO rating cannot be passed. We have decided that we would no longer be able to provide you with the experience you need. We hope everyone in Japan will understand. If you have already preordered, we will refund you.“
The Tweet mentions CERO, the Japanese equivalent to what we have in the states known as ESRB, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. Apparently, the level of violence in The Callisto Protocol is simply too much to appease CERO enough to earn itself an acceptable rating to be sold to mature audiences. Whether or not developer Striking Distance will alter the game in Japan to lower the level of violence to reach a rating suitable for Japanese audiences is not known at this time.
While the news is certainly a major disappointment to fans in Japan, the rest of the world is probably even more excited to know that the game contains such extremes to have gotten banned in certain countries. Hopefully, Japan will find a solution and meet Striking Distance on equal ground so gamers can enjoy The Calliston Protocol over there but Japanese gamers may have to resort to purchasing a version of the game from another region of the world to experience it themselves.
The Callisto Procotol comes to PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One on December 2nd.
